If you are active duty military personnel, you can take HCPL with you on your deployment. We offer a variety of library services 24 hours a day on our website.
HCPL has multiple ways for you to access downloadable media. They are all listed in the eBooks section [2] of our Databases [3] page.
HCPL Digital Media Catalog [1] allows you to check out and download eAudio books, eBooks, and music. There are hundreds of popular titles available. Please see our Quick Start Guide [4] to find out how to get started.
NetLibrary [2] eBooks lets you search through thousands of books online and then read one right on your computer screen. Some titles allow downloading. See our NetLibrary Help page [5] to find out more about how to use this service.
Safari Books Online [2] is the premier source for technical ebooks for programmers and IT professionals. Please note that there is a limit of five simultaneous users for this resource.
Databases [3]
Need to do research? HCPL provides remote access to databases in many subject areas, from automotive repair to Texas history.To use our databases, you can get a temporary library card number [6] that is good for 30 days.
What You Need
To access downloadable media and our databases, you will need a library card. If you do not already have a library card, but are still in the Harris County area, you can get a library card [7] by visiting one of our branches. For active duty military personnel, a military ID may be used for the purpose of obtaining a library card even though military IDs do not show a mailing address. APO addresses supplied by the applicant are acceptable on library accounts for military personnel. Library cards are free for everyone. If you are not currently in the Harris County area, you can get a library card online using our Military Library Card Application [8].
Online Reference
Have a reference question you need help with? You can email us through the Ask a Librarian [9] service, or connect with a librarian through Info 24/7 Chat [10]. Our website is also available 24 hours a day. All you need is a connection to the Internet.
Handheld Access
You can access our site through your handheld PDA or mobile phone. Our PDA/mobile phone website is at http://pda.hcpl.net [11]
